Boston vs New Bedford: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Boston, MA and New Bedford, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | New Bedford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,875▲ | $83,880 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.77▲ | $40.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,196 | $66,774▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,328▲ | $77,936 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,033 | $98,261▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,474 | $107,274▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,410▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Bedford.
The salary gap between Boston and New Bedford is $2,995 (3.57%). Boston's median is +27.62% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $34,278,New Bedford spans $40,500. New Bedford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($80,242 effective) pays 3.79% more than New Bedford ($77,309 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,875/year)
- ✓Larger job market (8,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,242)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose New Bedford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,274)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Boston grew 38.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.4% growth in New Bedford over the same period.
Boston, MA
$59,300 (2019) → $82,190 (2025)
New Bedford, MA
$57,320 (2019) → $79,357 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
New Bedford, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Boston or New Bedford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and New Bedford?
Should I relocate from Boston to New Bedford as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Boston vs New Bedford?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov